After graduating from University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Law, Ian joined Australian Dance Theatre and toured to South East Asia, England and Europe. For two years he danced with Scapino Ballet in Amsterdam then with the Susan Marshall Company in New York for a further two years. With government funding, Ian participated in the Yard – an annual choreographic event held in Marthas Vinyard, Massachusetts. Ian has also choreographed for ADT, and taught for various theatre companies in Italy. He has danced for Glen Tetley, Christopher Bruce [Ballet Rambert] Norman Morrice [Royal Ballet], Johnathan Taylor, David Atkins and Lindsay Kemp. Ian has also worked as resident director, dancer, and choreographer on Pearl Fisher, Carmen, Fiddler on the Roof and Death in Venice for Opera Australia.